What’s the first thing to do after checking into your KL accommodation? 

Make your way to the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, hailed as Malaysia’s top architectural wonder. 

Designed by Argentinian architect César Pelli—under the watchful eye of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad—the towers are shaped to resemble two interlocking squares or an eight-point star, when viewed from the top. In Islamic culture, this represents unity, stability, and rationality. 

Within the towers, interior motifs pay tribute to Malaysia’s local handicraft and weaving patterns. To access the Petronas Twin Towers’ observation deck, you can either pay for entry, or book a 45-minute guided tour.

Next, escape the afternoon heat at Suria KLCC, where you can indulge in some retail therapy. If you stay till evening, take a stroll at the nearby KLCC Park, a lush urban sanctuary popular with both locals and visitors. If time permits, catch the nightly fountain show at the park’s manmade lake—showtimes are at 7.30pm, 8.30pm, and 9.30pm daily.

Alternatively, make a trip back to the vibrant Bukit Bintang entertainment precinct, and spend the rest of your evening here. You can visit the popular Pavilion Mall with its 500 retail stores and food outlets, Starhill Gallery with its iconic architecture, Lot 10 (check out its basement food court featuring Malaysia’s top hawker food), Berjaya Times Square (with its own indoor theme park), and Plaza Low Yat (for bargain-priced electronic goods). 

Feeling hungry? Depending on where you’re located, you can consider the following excellent options:

• Dewakan, one of the top KL restaurants specialising in Malaysian cuisine. It's a short walk from KLCC Park.

• Jalan Alor Food Street for a selection of Malaysian street food favourites—check out dishes like satay, barbecued chicken wings, oyster omelette, char kway teow, and coconut ice cream.

• Changkat Bukit Bintang, affectionately known as the Times Square (or Piccadilly Circus) of Malaysia, with its swanky F&B outlets, bars, and clubs. 

For after-dinner entertainment, music lovers can check out the offerings at the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, which was built specifically for classical music but also hosts cultural performances. Be sure to book tickets well in advance!

Get directions to Petronas Twin Towers (7-minute drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Get directions to Jalan Alor Food Street (5-minute walk from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Get directions to Changkat Bukit Bintang (3-minute walk from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Get directions to Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (10-minute drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Begin your second day in KL by exploring Merdeka Square and its surrounding attractions. Why Merdeka Square? It’s KL’s most significant landmark—this is where the Malaysian flag was hoisted on 31 August 1957, to commemorate the Federation of Malaya’s independence from Britain after almost 50 years of colonial rule.

In this area, look out for the following historical attractions, as recommended by KL’s tourism bureau:

• Merdeka Square (and the former Union Jack Flagpole): Merdeka Square used to be a cricket pitch belonging to the Selangor Club (established in 1884), a social and sporting club primarily for the British elites. Located on the west of the square is the flagpole where the Union Jack was lowered for the last time on 30 August 1957, heralding the end of British colonialism in Malaysia.

• Royal Selangor Club (1884): This expatriate social club features Tudor Revival architecture, also known as ‘mock Tudor.’

• The Cathedral of St. Mary (1894): The first brick church in the Federated Malay States, and one of the oldest Anglican churches in the region.

• City Theatre (1896): Also known as Panggung Bandaraya DBKL, this theatre hall was designed by a colonial government architect named Arthur Benison Hubback. Hubback designed several buildings in KL, including the Selangor Club (see above). 

• Sultan Abdul Samad Building (1897): This government administration building stands out because of its iconic clock tower.

• Kuala Lumpur City Gallery (1898): A former printing centre for the British Malaya Administration, with a building design inspired by Mughal architecture, which brings together Hindu, Persian, and Islamic influences. 

• Victorian Fountain (1904): Previously known as the Queen Victoria Fountain, this fountain featuring Art Nouveau tiles was brought in from England and assembled in KL. 

• National Textile Museum (1905): A striking red-and-white building, it now showcases local textiles, highlighting their significance in Malaysian heritage—worth a browse!

• Former High Court Building (1909): This is an example of Moorish architecture in KL—an Islamic architecture style that developed in the Western world.  

Download the KL tourism bureau’s walking map for more information. For lunch, the best-rated restaurants near Merdeka Square include Restaurant Mandala (Nepalese) and Thaba Express Restaurant (North Indian/Pakistani). 

If the afternoon weather permits, take the opportunity to visit KL’s Chinatown, also known as Petaling Street. A top attraction here is the striking Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad—the mosque where Chinatown’s Muslim population gathers for prayer. It was built in 1907 and officially opened in 1909.

All visitors are welcome at the mosque, but do avoid sleeveless tops and short bottoms. To be safe, check before you enter if you should borrow a robe or head covering (for women).

Other notable buildings in and around KL’s Chinatown include:

• Sin Sze Si Ya Temple (1864): KL’s oldest Taoist temple.

• Central Market (1888): A fine example of art deco architecture in KL.

• Sri Mahamariamman Temple (1873): KL’s oldest Hindu temple.

• Lee Rubber Building (1930): Another art deco landmark in the area—and believe it or not, this was once the tallest building in KL!

For dinner, take your pick from the best-rated restaurants in KL’s Chinatown, including ANJO (modern European) and Al Baik Di Bistro. Prefer hawker fare? Check out KL Chinatown’s street foods like KL Hokkien noodles, Cantonese-style porridge, and Chee Cheong Fun (thin rice rolls filled with ingredients). 

Get Merdeka Square walking directions

Get KL Chinatown walking directions

What should you do if you have a few hours to spare before you leave KL?

Visit the Islamic Arts Museum, to feast your eyes on the largest Islamic art collection in Southeast Asia. Or head to REXKL—KL’s art and culture hub—for an early breakfast and to check out their highly Instagrammable bookstore.

Prefer a guide to show you around KL during your three-day stay? Check out the KL tours on travel portals such as WithLocals. Take your pick from quick tours to half- and full-day adventures, some of which include a trip out to see the Batu Caves, one of the most well-known Hindu shrines outside of India. 

Get directions to Islamic Arts Museum (11-minute drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Get directions to REXKL (5-minute drive from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur)

Need advice for your 3D2N KL holiday? Contact the PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur team, and we’ll be happy to assist.